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For many of us, dogs are family—whether they’re small, big, wrinkly, or furry. The companionship of a dog is a great stress reliever. Naturally, the nearly 65.1 million households in the U.S. that own pets want to live in places where their beloved companions can enjoy long, healthy lives without breaking the bank.
North Carolina is very much a dog state, with 41.3% of households boasting a canine, compared to just 26.5% with cats. Known for its diverse landscapes and warm hospitality, North Carolina extends its love to its four-legged family members.
The weather here is great year-round, and there are plenty of pet-friendly activities. Dogs can stretch their legs on amazing hiking trails, at dog parks, and in pastoral landscapes. Many beaches and historical sites in North Carolina are also dog-friendly.
According to data, North Carolina is the most dog-friendly state, with 77.6% of rentals allowing small dogs and 58.6% allowing large dogs. Raleigh, one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country, is also located here.
You might be wondering what the most popular dog breeds in North Carolina are. Keep scrolling to learn about North Carolina’s true sweethearts!
Most Popular Dog Breeds in North Carolina
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas, a toy breed from Mexico, have recently become very popular with dog owners in North Carolina and across the USA. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas have bold and brave personalities, making them stand out as alert and fearless dogs. Their loyalty is unmatched, making them one of the most loyal dog breeds.
These curious and adorable little dogs have quite the presence, with strong, expressive voices. Chihuahuas are significant in pop culture, often appearing in commercials and cartoons. They are resilient and able to withstand extreme temperatures, which makes them suitable for homes in any part of North Carolina. Chihuahuas are loving and make great pets for first-time owners.
According to Forbes, some Chihuahua health issues are related to their small size, particularly with their skeletal and respiratory systems, such as their knees and windpipe. However, Chihuahuas are not necessarily high-maintenance pets and don’t have more health problems than other breeds.
2. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a distinctive look characterized by long, silky hair, short legs, and large soulful eyes. Their friendly and affectionate personality, along with their preference for smaller living spaces, makes the Shih Tzu a popular choice among dog lovers in North Carolina.
Despite their name meaning “lion,” there’s nothing fierce about Shih Tzus. They are equally content living in the heart of the city or out in the country as long as they receive plenty of snuggles. Shih Tzus are outgoing and friendly towards everyone, including strangers, other dogs, and even cats.
While Shih Tzus enjoy playing, they are not highly active and don’t require much exercise. PetMD states that Shih Tzus are prone to obesity, so it’s crucial to feed them a well-balanced diet and limit treats throughout the day. A twice-daily, balanced adult small-bite diet is recommended. They generally enjoy good health and have a long lifespan of 10 to 16 years. However, Shih Tzus can have health issues such as eye disease, ear problems, and back pain.
3. Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle, a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, is a beloved designer dog in North Carolina, known for its gentle nature and quirky charm. They get along with everyone, making them an excellent addition to families. Their playful and durable nature makes them great companions for games like fetch or hide and seek.
Goldendoodles are considered one of the healthiest breeds and make excellent service dogs. They come in various sizes—petite, mini, medium, and standard—making them suitable for different living situations. Their popularity is rapidly growing due to their adorable appearance, intelligence, and overall wonderful traits.
While Goldendoodles are friendly and sociable, they can develop social anxiety, even in familiar environments. Their coats are generally considered hypoallergenic and shed very little, reducing the need for frequent vacuuming. However, this breed is also susceptible to several health issues, particularly hip dysplasia. To keep your Goldendoodle healthy, regular check-ups and a balanced diet are essential.
4. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd, a medium to large-sized working dog from Germany, is highly regarded for its intelligence, bravery, and loyalty. These qualities make them excellent police and military dogs, service dogs, and protective family pets. It’s no wonder they are the most favored dog breed in North Carolina.
According to PetPlan, they are reserved but friendly, enjoying the company of their family and sometimes struggling with separation anxiety. They are not naturally aggressive, but their protective instincts can make them hesitant around strangers at first.
These active dogs need ample daily exercise to prevent them from becoming high-strung or getting into mischief. They are perfect for active families in North Carolina who enjoy outdoor adventures. With their thick coats, German Shepherds are well-protected from the elements but do require regular grooming due to shedding.
While generally healthy, German Shepherds are prone to certain medical conditions such as bloat, due to their size and deep chest, and hip dysplasia.
5. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever, a medium-sized breed from Scotland, is known for its gentle, affectionate nature and striking golden coat. In North Carolina, Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds, loved for their happy-go-lucky and friendly demeanor. They excel as family pets and are also highly valued as therapy and service dogs due to their exceptional kindness and gentleness.
Golden Retrievers are genetically predisposed to be calm and non-aggressive, making them less likely to show hostility towards humans or other dogs. These energetic dogs require plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy, enjoying activities like running, long walks, retrieving, and swimming.
According to PetMD, the average lifespan of a Golden Retriever is 10–12 years, and they are generally healthy. However, poor breeding practices can lead to health issues. Golden Retrievers have a thick, long coat that is prone to matting, so consistent grooming and brushing are necessary to maintain their coat’s health and manage shedding.
6. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of North Carolina’s most favored dog breeds, and it’s easy to see why. These easygoing, affectionate, and energetic dogs are family-friendly all-rounders, equally comfortable on the couch or out in the field.
Labs were made for the water! Their thick tails act as powerful rudders, their webbed feet help them swim quickly, and their thick, waterproof coats keep them warm even in cold water. This makes them perfect companions for water activities in North Carolina. However, Labs need ample exercise, including at least one long, brisk walk per day. Without it, they might display destructive behaviors like chewing on household items or escaping the yard.
Their popularity is also due to their endearing personalities. Labs are often employed in various service roles, including guide dogs for the blind and search and rescue.
Despite their many positive traits, Labs are not exempt from health issues. According to Purina, they are prone to hip dysplasia, obesity, cataracts, and bloat. Additionally, their floppy ears make them susceptible to ear infections.
7. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog has a rich history, and it’s one of the most favorite dog breeds in North Carolina. Their unique and charming nature makes them a favorite among dog lovers. French Bulldogs are happy, loyal, affectionate, and protective, with a great temperament that remains gentle and calm even when kids get rowdy. They thrive on human contact, enjoying giving and receiving love.
In North Carolina, French Bulldogs are popular because they are easygoing and non-aggressive with new people, making them perfect companions for outings to cafés or restaurants. Their small size makes them easy to carry anywhere. They require minimal outdoor activity, are adaptable to various living situations, and make excellent watchdogs.
However, French Bulldogs are prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, a significant health issue. Due to the expenses associated with their care and their potential for health problems, French Bulldogs are considered high-maintenance. They typically need a dedicated and vigilant owner to attend to their special needs.
8. Poodle
The Poodle is a classic European dog breed originally bred for hunting, specializing in waterbird retrieving and upland bird hunting. In North Carolina, Poodles enjoy enormous popularity as pets. Their patient, friendly, and playful personalities make them great family dogs, especially suited for households with children.
Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds, making them highly adaptable and easy to train. However, their intelligence can also lead to stubbornness and aloofness if not mentally stimulated and well-exercised.
Owning a Poodle requires a significant commitment, including consistent grooming, daily exercise, and mental enrichment. This applies to all sizes, whether standard, toy, or miniature.
Poodles can be prone to developing thyroid issues as they age, and like all dogs, they may face more health concerns over time. Despite these challenges, the intelligent and playful nature of Poodles makes them a beloved choice in North Carolina.
9. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie for short, is one of the most popular breeds in North Carolina. Known for their boundless energy and high intelligence, Aussies make fun, entertaining, and hardworking pets and excellent assistance dogs. North Carolina ranchers favored Australian Shepherds for their exceptional herding abilities. Their frequent appearances in rodeos helped them gain popularity among the general population.
One unique feature of Australian Shepherds is their common trait of having two different colored eyes, which has endeared them to many dog lovers in North Carolina. Aussies are known to shed quite a bit, prompting the joke that they shed twice a year—for six months at a time. Daily brushing is recommended to manage their shedding.
According to AKC, Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but responsible breeders will test for health concerns such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, and certain forms of cancer. Regular ear checks to remove foreign matter and prevent wax buildup, along with regular teeth brushing, are essential for maintaining an Aussie’s health.
Wrap Up
North Carolina’s favorite breed, as recognized by the American Kennel Club, showcases a variety of distinctive breeds that have captured the hearts of many. From the energetic Australian Shepherd to the charming Boston Terrier, these dogs bring joy and companionship to their families.
Whether you’re in North Carolina, South Carolina, or West Virginia, it only takes a few seconds to see why these breeds are so beloved.